How to be happy: "Carefree"

When spring arrives,
the Spiraea thunbergii (Yuki-yanagi)
blooms with tiny white flowers covering its branches.
One of its flower meanings is "carefree."

The way its slender branches sway freely
with the flow of the wind
feels somewhat relaxed,
and even just watching it makes me feel at ease.

Today, I would like to think about
some hints for becoming happy
based on this word, "carefree."

Living in a carefree way is different from being selfish.

When people hear the word "carefree,"
they might get the impression of living as one pleases or not taking responsibility.
But in its true sense, being "carefree"

is a way of living that does not ignore the voice of your own heart.
Without realizing it, people

become bound by:
• The expectations of those around them
• What society considers normal
• Assumptions about how things "should be"

As a result, they keep pushing themselves even when they are truly tired,

or they cannot say no even when they really want to.
When these small strains pile up,

the heart gradually becomes exhausted.
That is precisely why, the more you want to be happy,

the more important it is to be just a little bit carefree.

Being carefree means increasing your "small freedoms."

You don't need to suddenly quit your job
or make everything free.

The "carefree" that leads to happiness
starts from much smaller things.

For example:
• On days you are tired, reduce your schedule by one thing
• Stop by a place you feel like visiting
• Make time to read the book you want to read
• Decide that you will go to bed early today

Simply make these small choices
based on your own feelings.

Just by doing that,
the control of your life will gradually return to you.

The term "carefree body"

One day, while talking with my wife,
the phrase "carefree body" suddenly came up.

We often hear the term "selfish body," but
the phrase "carefree body" has a nice ring to it.

It sounds free, light, and somehow ideal.

However, when you think about it a little,
you realize that this term is quite difficult to justify.

People do not live alone;
they are someone's family member and are connected to society.

If you ruin your health,
the impact does not end with just yourself.

In other words,

if you spend your time doing whatever you want to the point where your body becomes unwell,
that is not "carefree,"
it just becomes "selfish."

Staying up late, overeating, and lack of exercise
may look free in that moment,
but you will definitely pay for it later.

The bill from your future self
is usually quite heavy.

But conversely,

if you take care of your body,
it won't break down easily even if you spend your time somewhat freely,
and you will have the leeway to do what you want.

Thinking about it that way,

perhaps it is okay to call "the body of someone who takes proper care of themselves a carefree body."
I am imagining such things.

At least in our home,

this term feels quite fitting.

Being carefree creates space in the heart

When you are always filled with plans,
your heart becomes cramped.

It is the same as how a notebook with some blank space
is easier to write in than one that is completely full.
Life also needs space.

When you have that space,

• New encounters can happen
• Interesting ideas can emerge
• Your heart can recover
Time spent being carefree

is never wasted time.
It is an important investment for keeping your heart in balance.

People who are happy are a little carefree

People who live happy lives
are surprisingly "a little carefree."

They don't conform too much to those around them,
but they don't hurt anyone either;

they are simply honest with their own hearts.

Like the Spiraea swaying in the wind,
they don't put in too much effort and sway with the flow.

That level of lightness
makes life long and comfortable.

If you have been feeling a little tired lately,
please try spending today just a little bit carefree.
That will surely

be a small step toward happiness.

Books that influenced me in writing this article

I have also summarized other "ways to be happy" flowers in the link below.
Please take as many as you need 🍀

Thank you for reading until the end.
I hope to see you in another article.
🍀 May you be happy 🍀